The safe of the Sabaragamuwa Maha Saman Devalaya has been sealed under the instructions of the Commissioner General of Buddhist Affairs. This decision follows the former Basnayake Nilame, Mr. J. M. Migara Jayasundara, informing authorities that he had forgotten the secret code to the safe, thereby obstructing an ongoing audit.
The tenure of Mr. Jayasundara, the Basnayake Nilame, concluded on December 31, after which the administration of the Maha Saman Devalaya was handed over to a temporary trustee by the Commissioner General of Buddhist Affairs. The Department of Buddhist Affairs then initiated an audit investigation into the activities of the former Basnayake Nilame.
During the inventory survey conducted as part of the audit, discrepancies were reported. Acting Deputy Commissioner of Buddhist Affairs for Ratnapura, Trimana Hettilage Don Nihal, informed the DIG of Ratnapura District in writing that four ivory tusks listed in the Devalaya’s recipe book were missing.
The safe was subsequently sealed to secure its contents, and a formal complaint was filed, requesting an investigation into the missing items. The Acting Deputy Commissioner has also urged authorities to take legal action against those found responsible.
The incident has raised significant concerns regarding the management and accountability of valuable religious and cultural assets associated with the Maha Saman Devalaya. Further investigations are ongoing to ascertain the details surrounding the missing ivory tusks and any other irregularities.
